WWF Call for Ban on Private Tiger Ownership
WWF charity officials are calling for the ban on the private ownership of tigers, after 18 unregistered tigers were spotted roaming free in the Ohio countryside! Unfortunately local authorities were forced to use lethal force in the interest of public safety. With there currently being more tigers in captivity in the U.S than there are in the wild, the majority of them in private hands, now is the time for a ban to take place.
A serious lack of regulation in the U.S. of ownership means a real problem tracking how many tigers are being bred or born each year. By making private ownership illegal, scenes like those in Ohio can be stopped in the future. 8 states currently don’t have any laws on tigers at all, including –
- Alabama
- Idaho
- Ohio
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
With 26 states already banning the possession of private tiger ownership, isn’t it about time the other 8 states follow suit? WWF officials will continue to improve the regulation of captive tigers in the United States to try and stop these kind of scenes from happening again.
Senior Policy Advisor for Species Conservation, Leigh Henry, said –
The tragedy in Ohio was a public safety nightmare and highlights the urgent need for a ban on privately owned tigers in this country. In addition to safety issues, captive tiger populations can have a direct effect on the demand for illegal tiger parts around the world, resulting in increased poaching. We have a responsibility to close these loopholes, protect the public and save one of the most magnificent species on the planet.
Adopt a Tiger with WWF UK
The WWF is a non profit organisation who can only sustain their tireless work in saving the planet and its inhabitants through donations. You can help raise funds through the WWF Adopt a Tiger scheme.
From as little as £3 a month you receive a certificate, a print of your animal, a greetings card, and a soft toy that would make a fantastic charity gift for a loved one.
